UF recruit nearing decision

Minister says Brown is undecided despite a report he will turn pro.

Florida recruit Kwame Brown could announce today whether he will enter the NBA draft or play for the Gators next season, according to his mentor, minister John Williams.

Williams said Friday afternoon he was unaware if Brown had made a final decision, but indicated Brown would like to resolve the issue before weekend activities, including tonight's prom at Glynn Academy High School in Brunswick, Ga.

"If he has (made a decision), he hasn't said it to me," Williams said. "And I can go on record as saying if he had made up his mind, I would know. He may make some sort of announcement (today). He realizes he's got to say something. Or maybe he doesn't."

Glynn Academy coach Dan Moore said Brown told him Friday a news release would be issued that afternoon, but none was. Moore said he did not know what the release was going to say.

The Sporting News, citing an unnamed source close to the league, reported Thursday that Brown decided to enter the NBA and would submit a letter to the NBA office by midnight Sunday, the deadline for college underclassmen and high school players to declare themselves eligible for the June 27 draft.

Brown could not be reached for comment.

A 6-foot-11, 250-pound center, Brown is projected by many analysts to be among the first five players chosen, meaning he would be guaranteed a three-year contract worth at least $6.5-million.

The seventh of eight children, Brown was raised in the low-income neighborhoods of Brunswick by his partially disabled mother, Joyce, a single parent.